"Open the door, Anna!"
The hard knocks rattled the pristine white door again and again, but it stayed tightly shut.
"Anna, please! I swear, it's not what you think!" Kyren's voice echoed through the hallway, thick with desperation.
"Get lost, Kyren! I told you, I don't want to see you!" Anna's furious scream came from the other side, muffled by the heavy wood, but loud enough to pierce his ears.
The grand duke let out a heavy sigh.
"Come on, please…"
'Prang!'
A vase broke against the door, creating a sharp jolt. She had thrown it—either directly at him or aiming in his direction. Fortunately, the door was shut.
Kyren flinched.
"Anna, if you don't open this door, I swear I'll break it down!" he warned, alarmed.
His heart raced with worry that her rage might lead to self-harm.
"Don't you dare, you pervert! I hate you!"
That word 'pervert' cut through him like a blade. His fists clenched at his sides. Of all things, he couldn't tolerate being called names.